Changes to the BC Building Code announced

The Province has adopted The Province the British Columbia Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024).

Key updates will require all new buildings to:

• provide one living space that is designed not to exceed 26 C;
• have power-operated doors in all building entrances and universal washrooms; and
• have an elevator in all large two- and three-storey apartment buildings.

For further information, please read the Province’s press release:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0167-001923

From the press release:

Helaine Boyd, executive director, Disability Alliance BC –

“Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is looking forward to witnessing how these BC Building Code changes will directly impact the lives of people with disabilities in need of accessible housing. We hope that the BC Building Code changes will continue conversations and ultimately contribute to greater social and economic inclusion for people with disabilities in our province.”

PRESS RELEASE: Funding helps remove barriers for people with disabilities: Accessibility Projects Grants Recipients for 2023/2024

-For Immediate Release–

Vancouver, BC – December 4th, 2023 

Today, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has announced the recipients of the 2023/2024 Accessibility Projects Grants, which will support better access to cultural, recreational, safety, educational and community participation opportunities for people with disabilities across the province. This year, the Provincial Government provided $450,000 to be distributed by DABC to non-profits throughout British Columbia. Since 2018, DABC has distributed approximately $2.75 million to over 80 not-for-profit organizations through this partnership with the Province.  

“It’s so heartening to see the number of strong applications we receive – it shows how important and much needed this funding is, as well as how many people want to invest their time, energy and expertise into improving accessibility for people with disabilities,” said Danielle Gauld, who works as the coordinator of the grants with DABC. 

Organizations were invited to apply for up to $40,000 for community engagement projects that will support lasting change for the more than 900,000 people (24.7% of the population over age 15)¹ in BC living with disabilities. A few examples of projects funded in previous years include: 

• Kinsight’s “Real Talk: Connecting Queer Communities” project, which increased community participation opportunities and decreased stigma for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults with cognitive disabilities. Stated one of their group members, “There’s not many programs for us out there, for disability and for LGBTQ.”   
   
• Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice’s “Intergenerational Chinatown Disability Advocacy through Arts” project, of which Sunny Chiu, Coordinator of the project, stated: “We created spaces in Chinatown and Downtown Eastside where disabled youth and Chinese seniors could connect, and attend creative and culturally relevant, physically-and language-accessible events. I think we were able to start some very necessary (and trilingual!) conversations about how language and physical accessibility operate in tandem, and what accessibility means to our participants. I really hope to continue these conversations even after this project is finished!” 

The Province observes December 3rd as the Day for Persons with Disabilities, to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of People with Disability. “We want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy full and equitable participation in their communities,” said Susie Chant, BC’s Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility. “As we celebrate the Day for Persons with Disabilities, I am especially grateful for our work with trusted partners like Disability Alliance BC to remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.”  

DABC is proud to work with the BC government to remove barriers and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities to their communities.The Accessibility Projects Grants are an important step in this direction. 
 
Media Contacts: 

Danielle Gauld 
Accessibility Projects Grants Coordinator 
ap@disabilityalliancebc.org 

Helaine Boyd 
Executive Director 
helaine@disabilityalliancebc.org 

Learn More: 
To learn more about  Disability Alliance BC: https://disabilityalliancebc.org/ 

To get up to date about Government’s work on accessibility: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/accessibility/news 

To give feedback on barriers people with disabilities face when accessing government services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/accessibility/feedback 

To read the Accessible B.C. Act 2022/2023 Progress Report: Accessible BC Act: 2022/2023 – Progress Report (gov.bc.ca) 
 

Backgrounders: 

DABC invited eligible organizations to apply for funding in August, and the list of recipients was announced today:  

• 221A Artist Run Centre Society – $40,000 for community-led creative gatherings, cultural workshops, and food-sharing initiatives at an Indigenous garden located in Vancouver’s Chinatown and Downtown Eastside. 
• BC Association for Advancing Communications (BCAAC)– $39,902 for delivery ofvirtual and in-person inclusion workshops for people and children with speech and language disabilities and free online resources to support people across BC. 
• Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture – $40,000 for an in-person residency in Vancouver for artists practicing in the field of disability arts and culture that gives them an opportunity to learn, have access to studio time, and build community with other practicing disabled artists. 
• Recreation Adapted Society (RAD) – $39,656 for the launch of the Langford Lake GearBox, a container with adaptive recreation devices for outdoor activities for people with mobility disabilities, helping them maintain healthy, active, independent lifestyles.  
• Stanley Park Ecology Society – $40,000 for programs with experiential learning, hands-on education, and environmental skill-building opportunities for people with disabilities to engage with and enjoy the natural world at Stanley Park in Vancouver. 
• Neil Squire Society– $39,628 for events in Greater Vancouver and beyond, to foster accessibility and inclusivity in the world of gaming with customizable assistive technology solutions. 
• Smithers Community Services Association – $40,000 for a project that will assist children (aged 6-12) with learning disabilities with improving their reading and writing skills and youth (Grades 7-12) who have fallen behind in school academics due to their learning disabilities in Smithers, Telkwa, Houston and Witset. 
• Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society – $40,000 to support newcomers with disabilities in Greater Victoria to access education, allowing them to pursue new learning opportunities and achieve their educational and career goals.  
• Worker Solidarity Network Society (WSN) -$40,000 for a project that will support low-income workers living with disabilities to build capacity for safety and wellbeing in extreme weather events in Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and Okanagan through educational materials, ASL-interpreted video content, and the implementation of an accessible educational program. 
• Kettle Friendship Society – $40,000 for group art therapy, creative writing, choir practice, art scholarships and public performances/showcases to help people living with mental health challenges in Vancouver regain visibility and rediscover their voices in a safe space. 
• Kamloops and District Society for People In Motion– $40,000 for an initiative to examine the role that accessible and inclusive transportation choices make in addressing issues of social and economic inclusion among people with disabilities living in Kamloops, Te’kumlups First Nation and the broader Thompson-Nicola Region. 
• Northern Adapted Sports – $13,500 to expand school awareness programming and professional development for bringing adapted sports to children and youth across Northern BC. 

To learn more and download the Call for Proposals (CFP) and application forms please visit: Accessibility Projects Grants | DABC (disabilityalliancebc.org). 

¹https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1310037401&pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.13 

Job Posting: Program Coordinator, Tax AID & Access RDSP

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

We work to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence and as equal and full participants in the community.

Description of Programs

Tax AID

Tax AID is a DABC program that partners with the Together Against Poverty Society, the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, and the Active Support Against Poverty Society, to provide free support to people with disabilities across BC to file income taxes for current and previous years. In addition to simple tax filing, we help with self-employment income, outstanding amounts owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), applying for other tax related government programs/benefits, and matters related to financial literacy.

Access RDSP

Access RDSP is a DABC program in partnership with Plan Institute and the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS). This program is part of the financial literacy arm of our Advocacy Access Program. Building on the work of our collaborative partnership, the objective of this program is to promote the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) across BC, and to assist people with disabilities to access the DTC and open an RDSP. 

Job Description

DABC is seeking a Program Coordinator for our Tax AID and Access RDSP programs. This role contributes to maintaining the quality and sustainability of program services. The Program Coordinator will assist the Director of Tax AID & Access RDSP in supporting the day-to-day operations of both programs by managing client intake and inquiries, maintaining program policies and procedures, developing program materials, participating in strategic planning for both programs, coordinating outreach activities, and other tasks as reasonably required.

The position will be based out of DABC’s Vancouver office but may require occasional travel to other BC communities.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP, the Coordinator will carry out the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Respond to client inquiries over the phone, email, and in-person
• Screen clients for eligibility of Access RDSP and Tax AID services and conduct initial client intake 
• Ensure regular update of any program materials, including program manuals, educational resources, community resources and contacts list 
• Maintain and organize physical and digital files, as well as other program materials in the office 
• Provide accurate statistical information on participant activities for evaluations and reporting purposes
• Provide information and support to people with disabilities on the DTC, RDSP, and other tax related issues
• Keep up to date on any changes to policy and procedures relevant to the Access RDSP and Tax AID programs
• Liaise with community partners to schedule and arrange specific outreach activities
• Assist in the development of community awareness and outreach strategies through a variety of means including the development of educational materials, delivery of workshops, and establishment of new community partnerships
• In consultation with the Communications Coordinator, assist in the development of marketing and communications strategies
• Lead tasks and activities related to key projects and community partnerships
• Support the Tax AID and Access RDSP advocates with daily tasks 

Working hours: This position is for 32 hours/4 days a week. The office hours at DABC are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The successful applicant must:

• Be able to work effectively with people with disabilities from a client-centered approach 
• Have a minimum 2 years combined post-secondary education and/or applicable work experience
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain language
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients and staff across many diverse backgrounds
• Be self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively with a team as well as independently
• Maintain a professional, respectful, and empathetic demeanor with clients and have the ability to manage client expectations as it relates to the capacity and scope of DABC’s services
• Have excellent organizational and critical thinking skills
• Be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of client information
• Be able to manage and sort through a significant volume of incoming communication.

The following are strong assets for this position: 

• Working knowledge of federal tax and financial programs for people with disabilities including the Disability Tax Credit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, Canada caregiver amount and other deductions
• Knowledge of tax law
• Experience with community outreach or program planning
• Experience in the non-profit sector
• Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities
• Knowledge and understanding of community resources available to people with disabilities
• Understanding of anti-oppression principles
• Experience working with design tools including Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite
• A driver’s license   

 Compensation

• Salary will be $40,000 per year with the potential for hours to be increased from 32 to 40 hours per week based on future funding.
• This position offers the following benefits after the successful completion of a three-month probationary period:
• 12 days of paid vacation annually
• 14.4 0 days of paid sick leave annually
• 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
•  A generous Health Spending Account program 
• 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December.

DABC is an open and diverse organization that promotes inclusive hiring practices. We encourage applications from qualified applicants who identify as visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Cynthia Minh, Director, Tax AID & Access RDSP at cynthia@disabilityalliancebc.org.  No phone calls please. 

Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on January 2nd, 2024. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.